Casualties unknown

2001-03-10: Robinson R22 (N4009W) — Alvarado, TX

Alvarado, TX, US

On March 10, 2001, a Robinson R22 (registration N4009W) was involved in an aviation accident near Alvarado, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a marked static wire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter sustained main rotor blade damage after a static wire descended and contacted the rotor blades during a hover. The pilot was testing equipment unrelated to the helicopter on his property. The helicopter landed safely.

Incident Summary

A helicopter experienced main rotor blade damage when a static wire came into contact with the blades during a hover. The incident occurred on the pilot's property while he and a passenger were testing non-helicopter-related equipment.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the helicopter was in a 2-foot hover beneath a marked static wire that was 30 feet above ground level. The pilot noticed the wire beginning to approach the helicopter and initiated a descent. However, the wire continued to descend along with the helicopter. Subsequently, the wire contacted the main rotor blades.

Damage and Aftermath

The helicopter landed without further incident. The damage to the main rotor blades required their replacement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010315X00586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.